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Thursday, June 16, 2016

These spicy chicken and beef meatballs in tomato curry sauce certainly satisfied
our craving for something flavorful .I served these spicy, saucy meatballs with
vegetables only, skipping our typical accompaniment of rice because we are
trying to limit carbs. Steamed vegetables were just right and we could scoop up
the sauce with the meat balls themselves so we didn’t miss the rice but if you
are not avoiding carbs then it would be perfect with rice or couscous.

These can be made spicy or mild.
If your diners don’t enjoy spice make the sauce with just a little or even none
of the warmer spices like medium yellow curry powder, cumin, turmeric, garam
marsala or Baharat. This could be tasty and mild!We like spice so I may have even used more of
the spices than listed here. This is totally up to you and your tastes!

You may make these with ground chicken, beef or turkey just make sure
that at least 1/3 or more of the meat is not extra lean. Meatballs need fat to
be tender and hold together. You could even use half lean.You can make the meatballs up to the shaping step and refrigerate for
quick preparation. You could even freeze them on a baking sheet then bag them
so they are on hand when you want them! You could make the sauce up even a day
or two before. If you wish to cook meatballs ahead, you might have a little
drier texture but they would be fine but, cook them all the way through, don’t
just brown them. This would shorten the time you reheat them in the sauce.

Meat balls*I use 1/3 lean chicken, 1/3 lean ground beef and 1/3 80% ground chicken but any combo, or all chicken or all beef is fine.

All of the spices can
be increased or decreased based on desired heat level.

Place all ingredients for meatball mixture in a large bowl,
gently yet thoroughly combine. Using gloved or clean hands is a great way to
blend everything.

Using small scoop or
teaspoon, scoop out uniform sized meatballs; rolling each for a smooth
exterior. You may make the meatballs smaller or larger as desired.

If you wish to cook meatballs in oven, check the note**Heat a bit of oil in a large shallow pan. HALF of the onion
and sauté it for 5 minutes and remove to covered dish.Add some of the meatballs
to the pan without crowding so they will brown well. You may add a bit
more oil only if needed. You will probably need to brown them in batches,
removing them as they are done to a covered dish. The meatballs do not
have to be cooked through; this is just to brown the outside. Cook them over
medium heat, turning gently after 3-5 minutes. Brown the other sides
for about 3-5 minutes. take meatballs from pan to a covered dish and remove
excess oil from pan. You will cook sauce in the same pan.

If desired, leave pan of meatballs in 350 oven while you
cook curry sauce or microwave for a couple minutes on medium.

To make curry sauce:Heat about 3-4 TBSP more oil in the pan, add the rest of the
sliced onion, ginger, garlic, spices, seasoning.Sauté for 4 minutes or so.Add tomatoes; simmer for 5-7 minutes. Add cool water and ladle
into blender. Blend until smooth. Add yogurt and blend a bit more. Return sauce
to pan and gently nestle the meatballs and sautéed onions into sauce. Over low
heat, bring to simmer but do not let it boil.Simmer for 15 – 22 minutes or so on low until meatballs are cooked
through. I take one out and open it to check, it is really hard to use
thermometer on these.

Best served in a bowl topped with cilantro and perhaps some
toasted almond slices or yogurt

Serve with steamed vegetable OR quinoa OR if you are not
avoiding carbs try it over couscous or rice,

**Oven baking method: Preheat oven to 400 and put
meatballs on cookie sheet prepped with a bit of oil. Place in center of oven
and bake for 6 minutes then turn them over to cook other side. Continue baking
another 5 minutes or until just barely cooked through. Remove from baking dish
and place them into pan filled with curry sauce. Simmer for 15
minutes

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About Me

One of my joys in life is gathering people around my table to enjoy a good meal together. I love connecting with people and I love cooking so creating a blog seems like a good idea. I hope these recipes inspire you to get in the kitchen and create something delicious to share with your family and friends!
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